CONTENTS OF THIS PACKET 
         
          This packet contains the following information regarding mechanic testing, certification, and trainee 
          permit: 
         
                 Information for the Mechanic Trainee 
                 Locating Secretary of State Branch Offices & Test Tips 
                 Mechanic Certification Frequently Asked Questions 
                 Mechanic Study Guides 
         
          Read the information in this packet carefully. Then, if you have further questions about the materials, 
          contact the Business Licensing Section at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). 
         
                                               INFORMATION FOR THE MECHANIC TRAINEE 
         
          There are two ways a person can obtain the skills needed to be a mechanic. The first is by going to a 
          school which offers automotive training. This usually includes hands-on learning along with classroom 
          studies. The other way is by working at a repair shop with an experienced mechanic who can teach 
          proper repair methods and see that the work done by the trainee is correct. 
         
          Most good mechanics have learned their trade by both schooling and experience on the job. Today's 
          cars and trucks are becoming more and more complicated to repair. This means that both training and 
          experience are more important than ever to the person who wants to earn a living as a mechanic. 
         
          If you are currently performing major repairs on motor vehicles in Michigan, you must be a certified 
          mechanic or hold a valid trainee permit. 
         
          A mechanic trainee permit is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue in the major repair 
          categories listed on the permit. A permit may not be renewed. Upon expiration of the trainee permit, a 
          mechanic trainee must either become certified or stop performing repairs in the categories listed on the 
          permit. 
         
          A mechanic trainee may perform repairs only in the categories listed on the permit under the supervision 
          of a mechanic who is currently certified by the State of Michigan in those repair categories. 
           
          A mechanic trainee should display his or her trainee permit in a conspicuous location, and when a 
          mechanic trainee works on a motor vehicle, his or her name and trainee permit number must appear on 
          the customer's final invoice. The name and certification number of the supervising mechanic must also 
          appear on the final invoice. It is the responsibility of trainees and certified mechanics to ensure that their 
          names and numbers are not used inappropriately by their employers. 
         
                                                                 BUSINESS LICENSING SECTION 
                             RICHARD H. AUSTIN BUILDING 
                                                                 3RD FLOOR  430 W. ALLEGAN  LANSING, MICHIGAN 48918 
                                 www.Michigan.gov/sos  Phone 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424)  FAX (517) 335-2810 
         
   The Office of Investigative Services may act to suspend or revoke a mechanic trainee permit if a trainee 
   misrepresents the need for repairs, performs unnecessary repairs, or makes false or misleading 
   statements in connection with a diagnosis or repair. In addition, a mechanic trainee may be required to 
   obtain additional training or discontinue performing certain repairs if it is determined that the mechanic 
   or trainee disregarded or departed from accepted industry repair standards. 
    
   12/04/18 
                            MECHANIC FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS 
          
          
           MECHANIC CERTIFICATION 
          
           1.  Where can I obtain more information on becoming a certified mechanic in Michigan? 
          
           Answer: 
           Additional information is available under “Information for Mechanics” on the Department of State website. 
          
           2.  Who must be a certified mechanic? 
          
           Answer: 
           You must be certified as a mechanic in Michigan if you repair motor vehicles for compensation, 
           including the reconditioning, replacement, diagnosis, adjustment or alteration of the operating 
           condition of the vehicle, or any component or sub-assembly in any category of major repair. If you 
           perform major repairs and are not certified, you must get a mechanic trainee permit for those repair 
           categories in which you work. 
            
           3.  I have been told that I am exempt from having to become a certified or licensed mechanic in 
              Michigan if I am currently certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence 
              (ASE) in one or more categories. Is this true? 
            
           Answer: 
           No. ASE certification alone does NOT qualify you as a state certified mechanic in Michigan. 
           However, you may be eligible to apply for state certification and transfer certain ASE categories to 
           the application in lieu of taking state certification tests. Refer to the ASE Information page or 
           contact the Business Licensing Section at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) for further information. 
          
           4.  How do I become a certified mechanic? 
          
           Answer: 
           You must first pass a test for each repair category in which you want certification. Until you have 
           passed the appropriate tests, you cannot apply for certification. A certification application will be 
           included with the results letter if you successfully pass your test. Complete the application and return 
           it with the $25.00 application fee to: 
            
           Michigan Department of State 
           Business Licensing Section 
           Lansing, Michigan 48918 
            
           5.  What does it cost to become a certified mechanic? 
               
           Answer: 
           The fee to become a certified mechanic is $25. An amended certificate will be mailed to you at no 
           cost if you pass additional tests after receiving your certification. 
                               
         05/08/2020 
                    6.    What are the motor vehicle repair categories which require state certification? 
                     
                    Answer: 
                    The automobile and light truck repair categories for vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVW are: 
                     
                     1.  Engine Repair 
                     2.  Engine Tune-up/Performance 
                     3.  Front End, Suspension & Steering Systems 
                     4.  Brakes & Braking Systems 
                     5.  Automatic Transmission 
                     6.  Manual Transmission, Front & Rear Drive Axles 
                     7.  Electrical Systems 
                     8.  Heating & Air Conditioning 
                     9.  Pre-1973 Vehicles 
                     
                The heavy-duty truck repair categories for vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW are: 
                 
                     1.  Engine Repair - Gasoline 
                     2.  Engine Repair - Diesel 
                     3.  Drive Train 
                     4.  Brakes & Braking Systems 
                     5.  Suspension & Steering Systems 
                     6.  Electrical Systems 
                 
                Repair categories for other on-road vehicles are: 
                 
                    1.  Collision-Related Mechanical Repair 
                    2.  Unitized Body Structural Repair 
                    3.  Motorcycle 
                    4.  Recreational Trailer 
                 
                7.  What is the difference between a “Master Mechanic” and a “Specialty Mechanic”? 
                 
                Answer: 
                An individual certified in all of the first eight categories of Automobile and Light Truck Repair is a Master 
                Automobile Mechanic. Similarly, a mechanic certified in all six categories of Heavy-Duty Truck Repair is a Master 
                Heavy-duty Truck Mechanic. Individuals with a certification in Motorcycle are also given a master status. A 
                mechanic certified in seven or fewer of the first eight categories under the automobile and light truck heading, or 
                five or fewer of the six categories under the heavy-duty truck repair heading or in the ‘other’ category is 
                considered a Specialty Mechanic. 
                 
                8.  Does a technician who only does "bench work" (such as rebuilding automotive parts or components) have to 
                     be certified? 
                 
                Answer: 
                Yes. When bench work (the rebuilding, reconditioning, machining, or assembling of parts or components from a 
                motor vehicle) is performed by a technician at a registered repair facility, the technician must be certified as a 
                mechanic in the proper repair category. This work involves a diagnostic process that is directly related to the 
                shop's regulated activities. The only time a bench mechanic need not be certified is when the employer is not 
                required to be a registered motor vehicle repair facility. For example, in a parts store that does not operate a motor 
                vehicle repair facility (does not diagnose vehicles and does not remove or install parts), the technician turning 
                brake rotors or rebuilding engines need not be certified. 
                                                        
                05/08/2020